Quote
"We may grieve, but not as the world grieves"
MJ Flack

Scriptural Reference:
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Thessalonians 4:13-18

Reflection:

Death for many is a taboo subject. It is one of those difficult topics to avoid whenever possible and only with a certain level of distance as possible. Yet Christians have have, a special way of viewing death. We are promised a life and joy beyond all earthly understanding. When someone we have loved here on Earth has died they have gone on to their Heavenly rest. We find the word of God telling us, that for those who trust in Christ, death has lost its sting. It no longer is a dark and sinister event to be feared and avoided. We are encouraged not to grieve as the lost world does. For unlike those who have chosen not to trust Jesus and will find their death will lead them to a future of pain and suffering, we Christians have much to look forward to. Our loved ones have gone ahead and are waiting for us.

The Bible assures every believer that their death is not a tragedy but a triumphal entry into Heaven. The Amplified Bible expresses it as "Blessed or happy to be envied are those who are laid to rest here to rise again in Heaven. God had instructed John to write these words of encouragement. For God understands that we will feel sorrow and loss when we lose a loved one from among us here and now. Our emotions will be natural and run deep. We are remind so we will not forget and hold cheaply our salvation and inheritance into Gods presence. We are told to rejoice for whether we live or die we belong to the Lord (Romans 14:8).

Share the joy of your salvation by letting people who are not yet saved know that you have a blessed assurance and a future inheritance that they may have as well. Let them know that you can look forward to meeting once again those you loved and have shared salvation with. And that they too can be included in this wonderful reunion. This is the calling we are all meant to embrace. The sharing of the Gospel to all those we know. How many do you know that have not as yet accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior? Are you ready to allow a chance to share the Gospel with them? Thus letting them miss out and join you in Heaven? Their future and your conscience may rely on your witness.

Prayer:

Heavenly Lord,
I embrace the Grace you have given me.
I look forward to that blessed reunion,
With those who have shared the faith with me.

Yet I fully know the importance,
Of continuing to share the Gospel,
With those who have not taken the step,
To embrace the gift of your Salvation.

Please encourage me to be a witness,
Of your love for all I encounter.
So that we may meet again,
In our Fathers home above.

Amen